As dozens of fans excitedly made their way down a freezing Boylston Street, nobody seemed to mind the temperature—which came as a surprise considering the corset, fishnets, and occasional boa-only dress code.
Shivering from both anticipation and the cold, a couple dressed as Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon’s iconic characters, Brad and Janet, waited in line.
“The first time I saw the show was 2005, I was a freshman in college,” said repeat attendee Joanne Cobar. “I’m obsessed with the movie, and literally had no idea about the live show until I went. It was just so captivating, crazy, hilarious, and unpolitical—it’s really the best.”
The performance this past weekend at Emerson’s Colonial Theatre felt particularly special, featuring a costume contest and a Q&A with cult icon Nell Campbell, who starred as Columbia in both the film and original theatrical version in London during the ‘70s. Having her grace the stage 49 years later proves how this film’s following is only growing stronger as time passes by.
The evening began with a special introduction from Campbell. She took the stage and crowned the night’s winner for best costume in the audience. Then Boston’s Full Body Cast gave a stellar, explicit performance in front of the big screen, impressing not only the audience of hundreds but Campbell herself.
Campbell gave many anecdotes about the film’s creation and its cultural significance resonated with many attendees. Nell also spoke about exploring identity and talent in an ever-evolving world.
“From the age [of] about six months, I was showbiz bound,” said Campbell in the post-screening Q&A. “[“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”] has resonated so much with the LGBTQIA+ community. It helped nerds like you all come out of the closet and decide I’m done playing video games. I want to get in a corset with fishnets and high heels.”
One of the film’s main themes is embracing individuality, which clearly struck a chord with millions of people around the world. Since its release in 1975, Rocky has held audiences captive with incredible world-building and noteworthy cult-classic performance from Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
The unique experience of attending a shadowcasting, as opposed to a regular screening, where actors mime to or react to the characters on screen with callbacks, is second to none, and part of Rocky tradition. The actors were never not in character, and anybody who has ever seen “Rocky Horror” live knows it’s the longest running, best-dressed inside joke.
Staff sold brown paper bags filled to the brim with essential items, such as noisemakers, bubbles, playing cards, and toilet paper. As an active participant of the shadowcasting, theatergoers are encouraged to hurl these items at the stage during pivotal scenes in the movie. Veteran fans shout profanities at the characters, often beating them to the punch.
The actors never missed a beat, impressing the audience with an unbeatable knowledge of the movie. Every person on stage had every line memorized to a tee, down to facial expressions, gestures, and head tilts. They reminded the audience of the ability to explore their identities, express themselves freely, and celebrate each other’s differences.
It was a night that celebrated the spirit of creativity and individuality—a true reflection of the vibrant city of Boston. The world needs more movies like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and communities like the Boston Full Body Cast.
Like in most live performances of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” audience members were encouraged to sing along, shout lines, and jokes. People even got up to participate in a spontaneous dance break during “Time Warp.” This interactive experience broke down barriers, allowing viewers to scream and shout in a setting where such reactions would normally seem like bad etiquette. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” fosters belonging among those who might otherwise feel like outcasts.